Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Sound sleep is one of the major factors impacting an individual’s overall health and productivity throughout the day. It not only affects physical health but also mental health and overall quality of life. However, every year, millions of people suffer from sleep disorders, which often go unnoticed due to their busy routines. A Sleep Study, known as Polysomnography in medical terms, is an effective method for identifying underlying sleep disorders and guiding suitable treatment options.

Sleep Study, or Polysomnography, is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that records a person's physiological functions during sleep. It is performed in a specialised laboratory at night. The test is useful for monitoring the heart rate, eye movement, brain activity, muscle movements, and breathing patterns of the patient.

Polysomnography helps the doctor understand a person’s sleep quality and the different stages. Any disruptions in sleep and their pattern are also identified with a sleep study. The data thus collected helps the sleep specialist identify the disorder type and recommend suitable treatment options.

A Sleep Study is required when the patient’s daily life is affected because of the sleeping disorders. Some of the symptoms that indicate the need for a Sleep Study include:

• Very loud or chronic snoring
• Excessive sleeping during the daytime
• Headaches in the morning
• Pauses in breathing while asleep
• Sudden muscle twitches
• Jerky movements and restlessness during sleep

When left untreated, sleep disorders can result in various other health problems like stroke, heart problems, depression, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Timely detection through a sleep study helps prevent them and further improve overall health outcomes.

Different types of sleep studies are used depending on the suspected type of sleep disorder. Some commonly used sleep studies are:

• In-lab Polysomnography - An overnight sleep study is performed in a laboratory under expert supervision.
• Home Sleep Study - A simplified version performed at home. This is specifically helpful for diagnosing sleep apnea patients.
• Split-Night Sleep Study - The complete diagnosis as well as treatment is performed within the span of one night’s time. If Sleep Apnea is detected early, CPAP therapy is initiated.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test - MSLT is used to measure the extent of daytime sleepiness that a person has. This helps in the diagnosis of Narcolepsy.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test - MWT is the assessment of the individual’s ability to stay awake during the daytime.

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a painless procedure designed to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Let’s take a look at what happens during each phase of a sleep study test.

• Before the Test: Patients are advised to avoid substances that might obstruct sleep, such as caffeine, alcohol, and daytime naps, before their sleep study. Normal food intake and regular medications are to be continued unless instructed otherwise.
• During the Test: Once the test is started, the patient is asked to lie down, and small sensors are placed on different parts of the body for monitoring. No disturbances are made during the night to avoid any interference with sleep.
• After the Test: As the test comes to an end in the morning, when the patient wakes up, the sensors are removed. The individual can then return to normal activities as usual. 

The test results come after some time. A follow-up visit to the hospital might be required for further guidance.

A wide range of sleep disorders can be diagnosed with the help of Polysomnography, including:

• Insomnia
• Central Sleep Apnea
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Central Sleep Apnea
• Parasomnias such as sleepwalking
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

If you have any of the above-mentioned disorders or have a disturbed or irregular sleep routine, consider going for a sleep study test.

While a sleep study is a non-invasive procedure, it poses minimal risk. However, some patients might experience certain discomforts during the procedure, including:

• Discomfort from the wires - Some patients can have a little discomfort while sleeping due to the cables and wires attached for the monitoring.
• Difficulty sleeping - Although sleep laboratories are designed to provide a homely environment for patients, some people may still find it difficult to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings.

Skin Irritation - The adhesive used on the skin to attach the sensors might cause skin irritation to some people.

As such, there is no recovery time required after a sleep study. Patients can immediately resume normal activities after a Polysomnography test. A follow-up appointment with your doctor is necessary to discuss the test results and a suitable plan of action for the treatment ahead.

Sleep Disorders can be disruptive, as they directly affect your energy levels, overall productivity, and work efficiency. 

At Gleneagles Hospital, patients get a comprehensive range of diagnostic services for various sleep disorders. With a patient-first approach and sleep laboratories furnished with the latest monitoring technology, the hospital provides a seamless treatment experience to every patient. The entire hospital staff is specialised, and only experienced professionals such as sleep specialists, pulmonologists, and neurologists assist you with your health concerns.

At Gleanealges Hospital, patients can benefit from:

• Expert interpretations of the test results
• Personalised care plans
• Compassionate support and follow-up care
• Multidisciplinary team under one roof.

The entire team at Gleneagles Hospital is committed to helping patients improve their sleep quality and further their overall well-being.